WILDLIFE SAFARIS
Meeting the Gobi Khulan
TRIP SUMMARY
The Mongolian hemion ( Equus hemionus hemionus ) known as Khulan in Mongolian is a wild equid and one of the recognized subspecies of the Asian wild ass ( Equus hemionus ). It now represents the largest population of the Asian wild ass in the world, living mainly in the Gobi Desert with small populations in northern China (Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia). The Mongolian Hemione is listed in the IUCN Red List as “Near threatened” (but was listed as “Threatened” until 2015. This exceptional journey is arranged with the collaboration of Goviin Khulan Association and certain proceeding of the income is dedicated to supporting this important conservation project. The journey is co-led by biologist Anne-Camille SOURIS, the founder of the non-profit association, who takes travelers through the Gobi’s most remote and secluded regions with amazing flora and fauna.
Brief Daily Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2. Hustai Nuruu National Park
Drive to the Hustai Nuruu National Park to explore world’s only true wild horse, takhi. In late afternoon, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar, overnight at hotel.
Day 3. Ikh Nart Nature Reserve
Travel by road through the steppe to desert fields to “Ikh Nart Nature Reserve”, which is a protected area home to Siberian Ibex, Argali sheep and Cinereous vulture.
Day 4. Hamariin khiid
In early morning you will leave the nature reserve on dirt roads to travel to
Sainshand, city of the southeast part of the Gobi Desert and Hamariin hiid energy center
Day 5. Native Mountain
Drive further south into the Gobi desert. Travel through some small towns in the remote desert to reach our destination near Native Mountain Monastery. Overnight in tents.
Day 6. Native Mountain and its surroundings
Exploring the remains of the old monastery, visiting the temple, and meeting with the community of monks.
Day 7-8. Queen’s Spring
Queen’s Spring, it is located just 150km from the Chinese border, this region is a natural habitat for the Khulan but also for black-tailed gazelle and argali sheep. Meeting nomadic family of Gobi Desert.
Day 9. Native Mountain
Drive back to Native Mountain to pick up our cameras. We will have an
opportunity to meet community members.
Day 10. Hanbogd and Dinosaurs foot prints
Visiting area where petrified wood from Cretaceous period still could be seen on the surface of the soil.
Day 11. Mandalgobi
Visiting a local monastery – Demchog, built by the same lama-poet who built the Native Mountain Monastery in Dornogobi, and head back to UB.
Day 12-13. Ulaanbaatar
Exploring sights and sounds of Mongolia’s capital.
Day 14 Departure.
Trip Highlights:
The Mongolian hemion ( Equus hemionus hemionus ) known as Khulan in Mongolian is a wild equid and one of the recognized subspecies of the Asian wild ass ( Equus hemionus ). It now represents the largest population of the Asian wild ass in the world, living mainly in the Gobi Desert with small populations in northern China (Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia). The Mongolian Hemione is listed in the IUCN Red List as “Near threatened” (but was listed as “Threatened” until 2015. This exceptional journey is arranged with the collaboration of Goviin Khulan Association and certain proceeding of the income is dedicated to supporting this important conservation project. The journey is co-led by biologist Anne-Camille SOURIS, the founder of the non-profit association, who takes travelers through the Gobi’s most remote and secluded regions with amazing flora and fauna.
DATES & PRICING
Trip Date:
Jun 10 – 23, 2023
Prices:
4-7 travelers:
$4,775 per person, twin occupancy
8-10 travelers:
$4,485 per person, twin occupancy;
Optional single supplement:
$320 per person (including a single tent).
GALLERY
ACCOMMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION
Hotel Ulaanbaatar
Hotel Ulaanbaatar is conveniently located in downtown Ulaanbaatar and is a very well established hotel with a friendly staff. All major atractions of UB are located with a walking distance of the hotel.
Field camps
Throughout the most part of our country, we will be staying expedition style tents. It is one of the best camping grounds in the entire country and be sure to watch for the northern stars and the entire Milkyway spanning over us!
Land Transportation:
Land transportation is provided by Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passangers per vehicle. Some roads can be bumby and hard but our drivers are some of the most experienced and reliable in the country.
